Advanced, Academic, Studies Biology

-- Mr. Amendo --

-2010/2011-

This page provides information for the following course aspects:

                                     - course description

                                     - curriculum

                                     - grading system

                                     -  homework policy

                                     -  test dates and pages

                                     -  lab report due dates

                                     -  homework due dates

                                     -  extra help times

                                     -  on-line textbook address

                                     -  contact information

Course Description

My Advanced and Academic Biology courses are designed to...

     -- convey key concepts of biology within a context of unifying themes

     -- promote student recognition of science as a process of inquiry

     -- make students proficient practitioners of the scientific method

     -- enhance student proficiency in designing and conducting experiments

Curriculum

The curriculum of both Advanced and Academic Biology is based on eight unifying themes.  These themes unify living things and help explain biology as a science.  The themes are as follows:     

     -- cellular structure and function            -- heredity

     -- reproduction                                    -- evolution 

     -- metabolism (cell energy)                    -- ecology

     --  homeostasis                                    -- scientific method

Grading System

The grade components for Advanced and Academic Biology are indicated below.  The exact percentage for the components showing a range will be determined toward the end each marking period based on the number of assignments amassed.

                 -- Tests ( 35 - 45%)

                 -- Lab Assignments (25 - 35%)

                 -- Homework Readings and Questions (20 - 30%)

                 -- Notebook Maintenance (5%)

                 -- Class Participation (5%)

Homework Policy

Homework is accepted late.  See late policy below.

                  Late Homework                              Late Lab Reports

           -- 10-20% off each day late              -- 5-10% off each day late

           -- 2 day limit beyond due date          -- 3 day limit beyond due date

Test, Lab Report and Homework Due Dates

Test, lab report and homework* information can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate class in the schedule box located on the top-right of this page.

*Note:  I can't guarantee that I'll post every homework, however, every test and lab report will be.

Extra Help Times

I'm available for extra help on Tuesdays in room H103 from 2:45 to 3:45p.m.  I'm also available by appointment.

On-Line Textbook Address

The textbook for Advanced and Academic Biology is the same; it's Biology by Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2004.  The textbook is available on-line at the address below. 

                 On-Line Textbook Address:  http://my.hrw.com

Students will be given a username and password by October 1st.

Contact Information

I can reached by e-mail or voice mail. 

                 -- e-mail address:  www.amendo@wmchs.org

                 -- voice mail:  (908) 879-5212  x3058